Is there a direct train?

No, you will likely need to transfer in Montreal or another hub.

How long is the drive?

It is roughly 24 hours of driving time.

What is the best way to travel?

Driving is the most flexible, while the train is more relaxing.

The 401, 20, 2, 104, and 1 are toll-free, but some bridges in Montreal may have tolls.

Is St. John's a big city?

It is a major city with a population of over 100,000.

Bainsville

St. John's

Train Driving

Bainsville to St. John's

Updated: 30 May 2026

The journey from Bainsville to St. John's covers approximately 2200 kilometers. The most direct route is driving east on Highway 401, then switching to Highway 20 and Highway 2 in New Brunswick, Highway 104 in Nova Scotia, and finally taking the Marine Atlantic ferry from North Sydney to Newfoundland. Alternatively, you can take the VIA Rail train from Cornwall to Moncton and then a bus to the ferry. St. John's is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador and is known for its historic harbor and vibrant culture.

Total Distance: 2200 km driving distance; 1900 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving takes about 24 hours, depending on traffic and ferry schedules.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most cost-effective option for this distance.

Compare Bainsville to St. John's Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	30 hours	24 hours
Avg Price	$400-$800	$400-$600 in fuel
Operator	VIA Rail	Personal Vehicle
Route	Cornwall Station to Moncton Station, then bus/ferry	ON-401 E, QC-20 E, NB-2 E, NS-104 E, Ferry, NL-1 E
Tip	VIA Rail provides a comfortable way to travel across the country.	The drive is long but offers beautiful scenery as you enter the Maritimes and Newfoundland.

Travel Tips

Traffic Planning
Traffic can be heavy in Montreal; plan your route accordingly.
Parking
St. John's has several municipal parking lots in the downtown area.
Weather
St. John's can be quite cold in winter; dress in layers.
Local Transit
Metrobus provides bus service throughout the city.
Time Zone
Newfoundland is in the Newfoundland Time Zone, 1.5 hours ahead of Ontario.

Safety Tips

Highway Safety
Highway 401, 20, 2, 104, and 1 are busy routes; stay alert and maintain a safe distance.
Winter Driving
Ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires for the snowy conditions.
Emergency Kit
Keep a basic emergency kit in your car for long highway drives.
Distracted Driving
Newfoundland and Labrador has strict laws against using handheld devices while driving.